APC Mock Draft 2014: San Diego Chargers Select Kyle Fuller

Continuing on with the Acme Packing Company Mock Draft, we break down the 25th overall pick held by the San Diego Chargers.

Background

A three-year playoff drought final cost general manager A.J. Smith and head coach Norv Turner their jobs following the Chargers' 2012 season. Left in their wake was a talented roster in need of a stronger directive. San Diego received exactly that with the arrival of Tom Telesco and Mike McCoy.

In his first year as Chargers headman, McCoy revitalized an offense that finished worst in the AFC a year earlier while also resurrecting the career of Philip Rivers. During his first five years as San Diego's starting quarterback, Rivers elevated himself to the upper echelon of NFL quarterbacks. However, he regressed considerable during the Norv Turner years, leading many to wonder whether the Chargers might replace him. McCoy proved the perfect match for the fiery signal caller who completed nearly 70% of his passes and won Comeback Player of the Year honors.

San Diego's defense proved to be a bigger challenge. Opponents threw all over the Chargers in 2013, resulting in a 28th ranking in defensive passer rating and 29th in passing yards allowed. While San Diego possesses one of the league's premier safeties in Eric Weddle, the rest of the secondary appears overmatched and in need of help.

With the 25th pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, the San Diego Chargers select...

Name: Kyle Fuller

Position: Cornerback

School: Virginia Tech

Year: Senior

For the Chargers to break into the ranks of the title contenders, fixing their defense needs to be the top priority. Part of the solution needs to come from the front seven, but with Melvin Ingram returning from a torn ACL and the tandem of Corey Liuget and Kendall Reyes coming into their own, there's already built in improvement. Because of where the value fell in this draft, San Diego is better served looking at secondary help.

On merit, Kyle Fuller shouldn't be on the board by the time the Chargers pick. However, every year we see a few players slip without a proper explanation. Fuller instantly becomes a starter for San Diego, playing mostly on the boundary. He might also take some snaps at safety in certain situations. His size and speed allow him to compete against most receivers, while his ball skills could help reverse a trouble low-turnover trend for the Chargers.

Round One Summary